Ams miss out on revenge

SOUTHPORT Amateurs had a great chance to put things right against the only team to beat them this season.

But the match ended with the same result - a 4-2 defeat.

It was very disappointing for the Amateurs manager, that the defenders never learnt anything about the first game, and allowed the attacker the time and space to hurt Amateurs again.

The attacker in question walked away with the match ball for his second hat-trick against Amateurs in three weeks.

Amateurs’ goals came from Ricky Ibe, scoring his 11th for the season, the other coming from Steve McMahon, both players suffering their first defeat for Amateurs.

Again Amateurs must show real character to come back from this defeat, with the away game at Tarleton next week.

The second team made the short trip to Hesketh Bank to play a team who are yet to register a win this season.

With a squad of 15 to choose from and expectations high, manager Mike Langford made two changes with Roberto Trecarichi slotting into his preferred left back position and Marco Chislett in the heart of midfield.

Amateurs dominated the early exchanges with Gary Whitehead and Stephen Lloyd going close.

The best chance of the half fell to Andy Taylor who was desperately unlucky just lifting his effort wide of the post.

Amateurs took the lead in the second half when Chris Williams' dazzling run beat two defenders.

His inch perfect cut back found the ever dependable right foot of Gary Whitehead who almost burst the net.

Refusing to lie down, the home team came out fighting and were soon level when a corner was headed into the back of the net for 1-1.

With the game looking like it would end in a bore draw, Langford brought on Stefan Lord in what could be the tactical change of the season.

The defenders could not handle the energy and directness of Lord and he soon got his name on the scoresheet, bundling home from close range for 2-1.

The game was soon over when again Lord got in behind the defence and fired past the keeper with his fifth of the season.

Chances now came thick and fast and when the ball came loose on the edge of the area, even Mark Chislett capped his man-of-the-match performance with a low drive into the bottom corner.

The self proclaimed fox in the box made a late cameo appearance coming off the bench but failed to live up to his reputation with two unlucky late efforts.